In Avowed, the decision to attack or spare Captain Aelfyr during the mainline quest "A Path to the Garden" is a pivotal moment that can significantly impact your gameplay experience. If Captain Aelfyr was involved in the devastating fire at Fior Mes Inverno earlier in the game, her subsequent gloating about the massacre might stir a desire for revenge. Moreover, your choice here will directly affect the loot you can acquire.
Should You Attack or Spare Captain Aelfyr in Avowed?
When faced with the decision, attacking Captain Aelfyr is the recommended course of action. This choice not only aligns with the desire for justice but also grants you access to exclusive loot, including the highly coveted Death Knight Gloves.
Death Knight Gloves & Other Rewards for Attacking Aelfyr
Image Source: Obsidian Entertainment via The Escapist
In Avowed, the Death Knight Gloves are particularly beneficial for defenders and those specializing in elemental combat. These gloves offer a -10% Stamina cost reduction while Blocking and a 15% increase in Frost Damage, making them a valuable asset in your arsenal.
Upon defeating Captain Aelfyr, you can also collect additional items from her corpse:
- Garnet (Gem)
- Silver Fenning coins x26
- Exceptional Scale Armor (+0/3)
- Exceptional Great Sword (+0/3)
If you haven't been focusing on upgrading your gear throughout your Avowed playthrough, acquiring these Exceptional Quality items can significantly boost your character's capabilities. Additionally, the bodies of the fallen Steel Garrote soldiers will yield more loot for you to scavenge.
What If You Spare Aelfyr?
Choosing to spare Captain Aelfyr does not provide any tangible rewards. On normal difficulty, engaging in combat with Aelfyr and her Steel Garrote forces presents a formidable challenge, featuring aggressive melee fighters and supportive healing mages. Opting to spare her can be seen as a reward in itself, as it allows you to avoid this tough battle. If your character is under-leveled, you can adjust the game's difficulty to make the fight more manageable.
The decision to kill or spare Aelfyr will slightly influence Giata's emotions, making her happier if Aelfyr is killed and more anxious if spared. However, the impact on the storyline remains minimal, affecting only a few minor dialogues.
Conclusion
Given the substantial loot and the potential for revenge, attacking and killing Captain Aelfyr in Avowed is the optimal choice. This decision not only enhances your character's strength but also aligns with the narrative satisfaction of avenging the fallen. As you progress further in the game, consider whether you should give Keipo the Leviathan Heart during the "Heart of Valor" side quest, which offers additional valuable loot. Also, take a moment to review the complete list of Avowed's main and side missions to plan your next steps in the game.
